unlimited grace

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—" Ephesians 2:8

"Melissa, do you have...", "Melissa, can you help me...", "Melissa, will you look for...", "Melissa, will you take this..."

For 3 days i called her name about 100 times... and for each time i called it, i called it wrong.

In the mist of preparing and executing Book Fair, i leaned heavily on our chairperson for assistance. And she was always quick to respond with a positive, cheerful attitude. But when i finally slowed down from the frantic pace, i heard something that shocked me. Someone else called to Melissa... but they called her by a different name.

Dumbstruck over this unfolding, i asked her, "Is your name Jessica??" to which she kindly replied, "It is."

WHAT! I apologized profusely for my reckless brain fog regarding her name, to which she assured me it was ok.  I must say, only the sweet, genuine grace she extended to my blundering lips, soothed my embarrassed soul.

Grace... freely given, unmerited favor 

From 3 days of carelessness, i was reminded of the gift of grace... from God and from others.  Whether intentional or not, whether we are the receiver or giver of hurt or mistakes, extending grace frees both sides to keeping living in the love and will of our Father... Whose grace to us is unfathomable.  For while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Father, grow grace in my heart. I want to be more like You.  Help us give grace as freely as we receive it.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

first day jitters

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

Book Fair at school opened yesterday.  And the first day on my "new job" was a stunner! We invited parents/students to a Sunday preview, and they truly showed up. From wall to wall we had a sea of eager shoppers. They answered our call to come beyond our hopes and wildest dreams.

Call and they will come... Call/pray and God will answer. 

Only one of these statements is unconditionally true.

Our efforts to attract customers or others is unpredictable; sometimes they respond and sometimes they don't.  It is based on many uncontrollable factors... weather, other commitments, economics, supply of products, unexpected interruptions, etc.  

But when we call/pray to our Father, He not only hears us but answers.  The Bible assures us of that verse after verse after verse.  Call and He will answer you...  If you need more exact verses, i urge you to enter "call to God and He will answer you" in your computer. You will be flooded with verses of comfort on His faithfulness to us.

Today i am calling on Him for strength for today, the second day of Book Fair. And i am confident He will answer me and fill all my needs.,.. and you can too.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

heads up... i'm changing jobs

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had..." Romans 15:5

Next week i start a new job, and i am so excited!  I will not be a media assistant, but a bookstore clerk.  The Book Fair at our school is a BIG DEAL, especially for our students.  The transformation from library to bookstore is magical -- like someone sprinkling Tinkerbell's pixie dust everywhere.  I'll be ringing up more books on the cash register from the Book Fair than i normally checkout from our shelves... and trust me when i say, "that's a lot of books!!"  

  

Do you embrace change with an open heart? I must admit, i normally don't.  I prefer the comfort and familiarity of routines.  I like knowing what is expected, feeling confident in my task, while experiencing little uncertainty or fear.  But there are times when change is necessary and beneficial!  The excitement on our students faces is thanks enough for me to keep going... keep adjusting... and keep smiling.  

Father, strengthen us with all the unsettling changes we face. We can't stop all the changes in our life, but we can change our attitude regarding them. Help us start by trusting You with what's ahead and embracing a change in attitude.  May it produce sweet results of success, a spirit of unity for the good and peace to our soul.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

a part or apart? choose wisely

"Now you, (your name), are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it..." 1 Corinthians 12:27

so...

"... encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13

Apart or a part?

We can choose to be apart from a situation/person or a part of it.  Just like the words, a small move can make a BIG difference.

What will you do?

Father, help me be a part of your business in growing Your Kingdom and apart from ways that break Your heart. May we be Your branches of love, joy, forgiveness and togetherness in this broken world.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

on His shoulders

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

With boo-boos on both her knees, her daddy snugly wrapped his arms around her legs and carried her high on his shoulders down the hall to her classroom.

How thankful i am, our Heavenly Father does the same for us.

No matter what the pain, why the tears, where the hurt, when the fall... whether it's from our own actions or from the result of another... God carries us safely and lovingly where we need to go.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

new season evolving

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:  

a time to be born and a time to die, 
a time to plant and a time to uproot,  
a time to kill and a time to heal,  
a time to tear down and a time to build,
 a time to weep and a time to laugh, 
a time to mourn and a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 2:1-4

Due to warm days and rain, beautiful daffodils are emerging through the dirt and crumpled leaves.  A true and needed breath of fresh air. The cheery colors, sweet aromas and new growth are a welcomed change, signifying hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

Through the wintry days of heartaches and disappointments, our Father is always about His business watching, preparing and tending to our needs.  He lovingly sprinkles signs of hope in our path, reminding us a new season or new beginning is coming.   

How thankful i am for His faithfulness.  He reminds me over and over of the fact He knows how and when to change seasons... those on earth and those in us.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

please DO

"And as for you, my friends, never tire of doing what is right." 2 Thessalonians 3:13

 

The doing outdoes the telling... always.

we are loved and chosen by God,
way we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

reign on

"The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord." Psalm 146:10

I'm starting to feel more like a duck... constantly ducking in and out of rain.

Yet, we need the rain... but day after day... week after week?  Maybe so.  

Honestly, i need a daily, thorough washing of my spirit. Even as i walk with God, i must constantly monitor myself. Examining my thoughts, actions and words, i find undesirable, unhealthy ways clinging to me. Anger, envy, resentment, fear and impatience are just some of the dirt popping up in my days preventing His Light to shine fully in me. 

Father, keep reigning; flood my soul with Your love, grace and mercy.  Remind me of the sacrifice You made for my life. I want to live a life of gratitude, not a life of attitude.  As You reign, let me cling only to You.

friend, we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

shattered

"The Lord is good,  a strong refuge when trouble comes.  He is close to those who trust in Him." Nahum: 1:7

He never saw it coming. What looked like smooth sailing to him was a dead end.

With perfect precision, speed, angle and point the tiny bird's beak shattered the window... not an ordinary window, mind you, but a double window pane.   If it had not been for an eyewitness to the event, i never would have believed such a tiny creature could create and survive such destruction.

Trouble... sometimes we see it coming, and sometimes we run full speed ahead, SMACK into it, with no warning. Fortunately for us, no matter the trouble -- what it is, the size, the type, the timing, the expectation, the span of damage -- God is never caught by surprise.  We can trust Him to be there with us and for us in all our needs.  

On His Wings, He will carry us and be our peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

you are loved

It's Valentine's week and for some it's painfully different this year. Through death, disagreements, hardships or other factors, some loved ones are no longer part of our life. So, is there still reason to celebrate?  With a thankful heart, our answer is yes.  There is One Valentine that will never forsake us. 

Every year, and especially this year, i need to reread, rediscover and reflect on the greatest love of all, poured out freely to all from Above. Could you use some extra comfort and love this week?  Let's pullout out another of His love letters and remember.   

(your name), my Child!

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?   (Isaiah 40:21)

I will never take my love away from you.  (1 Chronicles 17:13)

To you, I will be compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.    (Psalm 103:8)

I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Joshua 1:5)

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  (Isaiah 41:10)

Since you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you... do not be afraid, for I am with you.  (Isaiah 43:4 5)

I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.   (Isaiah 42:1)

I will quiet you with My love. I will rejoice over you with singing.   (Zephaniah 3:17)

And remember, dear Child of Mine,

My love endures forever.   (2 Chronicles 20:21)

Dad

No matter who you are, where you are, or what you are doing, YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED!  May we always remember Whose we are and Who first loved us. Read, receive and believe His blessings for you... His beloved Valentine.
What a Love!  What a God!  What a Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day, my Child!  You are the cherished love of My life!  I wrote this Valentine with just you in mind.

My dear sweet (your name),

Rejoice! For I have made this day for you!  (Psalm 118:24)

You have been blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  I chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in My sight.  (Ephesians 1:4)

Trust in Me with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding and I will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I have engraved you on the palms of My hands;  your walls are ever before Me. (Isaiah 49:16)

Since I am for you, who can be against you?  (Romans 8:31)

Who or what shall separate you for My love?  Shall trouble or hardship? No, never!  (Romans 8:35)

I will tend to you like a shepherd does his flock.  I will gather you in my arms and carry you close to My heart. (Isaiah 40:11)

When you are tired and weary, come to Me, and I will give you rest.  (Matthew 11:28)

Whatever yoke you are under, I will free you from it.  I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  You are mine, and I am Your God.  (Exodus 6:6-7)

I will keep you from all harm and watch over your life always.  (Psalm 121:7-8)

It is My prayer that you may grasp how wide and long and high and deep My love is for you.  (Ephesians 3:17-19)

always on your side and for you,

Dad

Need more affirmations regarding His love for you? Just pull out His Book. It's a love letter written just for you. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

....You and Me, a special one-of-a-kind forever LOVE.

did you see that?

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

What a night! What a game! What a battle! The Super Bowl delivered a night filled with moments of brilliance and disbelief to a captured audience.  Down to the final seconds, the winner of the game was up in the air.  And then, there were those high-dollar commercials, heart-stirring music and bedazzling halftime performance.

For now, the battle on the football field is over until next season.  But there is one battle still going strong.  The battle for you and your mind is in full swing.

The enemy will use any and everything to corrupt and destroy God's team of believers.  He is a keen opportunist.  Talk about fouls, bad calls, cheap shots... he is the king and master of them all.  We can't control the outcome of a football game, but we can control the outcome of who our mind belongs to. 

Father, help me not trip up and stay alert to the dirty plays of the devil.  I want to keep my focus on You and the Victory You have already fought and won for me.  I choose to celebrate You every day.  I am so thankful You are the One who caught my heart.  My i score some glory for You today.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

do you love bread?

"Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty." John 6:35

The look on her face said it all... I LOVE BREAD!

May the look on our face and in our heart say it all too... I LOVE THE BREAD OF LIFE... I LOVE JESUS.

Smile, and be filled with Jesus for life. He satisfies all our longings.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

what did you say?

"Friends, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

Do you sometimes have brain overload?  Thinking, planning, doing in many directions? An embarrassing moment recently reminded me speed is dangerous not just on the road, but also in the brain.

A coworker had on a really cute sweater. I KNEW is was a hedgehog on her sweater; we had seen her earlier in the library and talked about how much we love hedgehogs and even read a book about "Hedgie".  

But my MIND said, "hey, that also looks like a porcupine."  So, as we were leaving school, i saw her again in the hallway and said, "See you later, Porky!" 

"What! Oh, no! " My brain said, "Surely you didn't say that!!"

Shocked and quite embarrassed, i apologized, explaining my brain issues to her.  She kindly laughed and i quickly left.

Father, life can be a crazy whirlwind. Please help me slow down.  My brain and mouth need time to connect before my lips open.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

do you love yourself?

A heart conversation with Jesus might go like this:

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40

It's precise, important, in order and clear. We need to first love God and then love others.

But there is one unspoken directive too... we need to love ourself.
And it makes sense. The greater we can love ourself, the greater we can love others.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, LOVE and do like we believe it,

veneal

welcome... always

"The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life;  The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."  Psalm 121:8

No matter where you are, where you are going, where you have been or what you are doing....

God knows and sees all...

and He still welcomes us with open Arms.

So, shouldn't we give Him thanks and trust Him with it all?

Father, help us believe and trust You in each and every detail of our life.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

who do you work for?

 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." Colossians 3:23

I figured she was helping one of her grandkids before school started, but i was wrong.  Instead, it was a young student, who had been upset and experiencing separation anxiety.  Removing the student from chaos in the cafeteria and reading to her in a gentle voice, the child settled down, calm and prepared for her day at school.

This task isn't part of Ms. S's written job description at school, but it's one written on her heart by our Father. And it's one i see over and over again, by caring school team members.

This is where the greatest rewards are reaped...
And God smiles from ear to ear.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

how much longer

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Have you had enough of the bitter winter? 

coldness of a angry heart

bitter winds of misunderstanding
harsh, cutting  words
dark, blustery meanness
silent, icy looks
repeated, dismal disappointments
chilly, drafty doubts
intensifying, howling hurts

When will this winter be over? 

According to Punxsutawney Phil, we can expect 6 more weeks of winter.  Keep in mind though, he's accuracy rate is only 40%.

Clearly, the season is not over. Yet, there are bright, hopeful signs around too, like beautiful, red cardinals.  May we find  comfort in knowing not everything about the current season is cold.  God and His angels are watching over us.  He can and does  provide blessings through all seasons... we just need to keep our eyes and heart open to His goodness.  He doesn't change, but the season will.  

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

protected

“Because he loves Me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name." Psalm 91:14

Whatever is falling on, over, in, around or through you -- sickness, heartache, hurt, disappointment, fear, wrongdoings -- our Father is aware and already on it.

Hold nothing back.  Give it all to Him... and TRUST Him with it.  He has you completely covered.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

i can't imagine....

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand... For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:10, 13

How would you finish this line?  I can't imagine life without...

Throughout the day, i might answer it with coffee, chocolates, my phone, my home, my dog, my family or a hundred other ways.

But at the very top, a zillion miles away from any other response, there is One etched in stone for every second of my life.

Father, thank You for Your promises and for always being with me.  As i journey through the mountains and valleys of my life, you lead, hold and carry me.  I shudder to think what i would be without You.  Because with You, whatever the day holds, i can lean on You, and You will help me through it.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal